Five Ways to Stay Motivated

It has been 4 weeks since the start of the Challenge and I am already hearing some incredible testimonials from many of our Slim for the Chimney contestants! You have all started off with a great bang in your commitment to health and have been on a forward roll. It is important to keep that forward momentum the next few weeks to ensure you get the most out of this 8-week challenge. You have already done the hardest part, which is to make a public declaration of your resolution. Studies have shown that those who make public their desired goals are 10 times more likely to achieve that goal. Now, it is important to keep that initial motivation alive and strong! Here are a few key points to help you do just that.

1.  Review your goals. Go back to the goals you initially set and make sure you are on track to meet them. This is a nice way to assess where you are in achieving your goal and if you need to make any changes to ensure you reach your goal. If you are on track with your goals, then even more motivation to continue what you are doing!

2.  Measure your progress. I don’t mean get on the scale when I say to measure your progress. The scale can be very deceptive and not tell the truth about all the changes your body is making. Instead, measure your progress in other areas. Take a look at just a few areas that you could already be seeing improvements in:
• Sleep quality
• Energy levels are higher throughout the day
• Reduction in stress levels
• Clearer skin (fewer rashes, acne, etc…)
• Leaner appearance
• Less bloating
• Less swollen
• Reduced allergies
• Fewer mood swings

3.  Keep it interesting! Try new recipes to keep your taste buds excited about trying new, clean meals. One of my favorite cookbooks is from our very own Michele Vieux, Roaming The Globe. Her cookbook has recipes that are not only delicious, but really simple to make (both things are a must when I am trying a new recipe). You can download a copy of her cookbook here: http://www.roamingtheglobepaleo.com/.

4.  Maximize your new found energy! Since eating a cleaner diet, many find that they have much more energy. Use that energy to get outside and enjoy nature! Getting outside can be a great way for anyone to hit the ‘reset’ button and reflect on how great their body is feeling. Here are a few of my favorite hikes in San Diego County:

• Mount Woodson Poway Trail: http://www.poway.org/Index.aspx?page=596
• Three Sisters Falls: http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2008/jan/09/three-sisters-falls/
• Cedar Creek Falls: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/6546

5.  Rally your support troops. This challenge should be enjoyable and something that enhances your life. Make sure you share that with your friends and loved ones who are there to support you each step of the way. Have a clean eating get-together. Make a social event out of your meal prep day and make a feast for the week. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you surround yourself by friends who are only going to support you and encourage you to continue on your healthy journey.

Lastly, make sure to speak of the new changes you have made with your lifestyle with positive terminology instead of negative. Our words and mindset can have a huge impact on our actions so it’s important that we speak positively about ourselves to ensure we make healthy and healthful decisions. Check out Lululemon’s blog entitled ‘What’s your declaration?’ and for every day remaining on the challenge, I want you to make a powerful and positive declaration about yourself!

These are just a few ways that keep me motivated when I have a challenge set before me. If you have other ways to keep you motivated, please post them to the comments section of the blog!